Public learning track
Life, Economy, and Governance in the Thirteen Colonies
9 lessons
Goal
Examine the geographic regions, economic systems, diverse cultures, and early democratic institutions of the Thirteen American Colonies.
9 lessons
0 of 9 done
- Geography and Regional Cultures: New England, Middle, and Southern ColoniesUp next
- The New England Colonies: Town Meetings and CommerceNot started yet
- The Middle Colonies: The Breadbasket and Cultural DiversityNot started yet
- The Southern Colonies: Plantations and Cash CropsNot started yet
- African Contributions to Colonial Agriculture and TechnologyNot started yet
- Daily Life, Family Roles, and Social Classes in Colonial AmericaNot started yet
- Early Representative Government in the Thirteen ColoniesNot started yet
- Mapping the Thirteen Colonies and Trade RoutesNot started yet
- Conflict and Cooperation Between Colonists and Native NationsNot started yet
Standards Covered
- SS.4.11West Virginia Social Studies Standards · Social Studies · all grade levels · All agesPlan and construct maps to demonstrate the effect of geographic conditions on historical processes, practices and events (e.g., colonization, industry, agriculture, major engagements in the Revolutionary War, Westward Expansion, etc.).
- SS.4.13West Virginia Social Studies Standards · Social Studies · all grade levels · All agesDemonstrate an understanding of the various factors that influenced the founding of the original colonies (e.g., economic, political, cultural, etc.). • Analyze the southern, middle and northern colonies (e.g., origins, early government, resources, religious and cultural diversity, etc.). • Compare and contrast community life, family roles and social classes in colonial America (e.g., indentured servants, slaves, colonists, etc.). • Compare and contrast backgrounds, motivations and occupational skills among English, French and Spanish settlers (e.g., economics, culture, trade, new agricultural products, etc.).
- SS.4.7West Virginia Social Studies Standards · Social Studies · all grade levels · All agesResearch and examine how slavery and indentured servitude influenced the early economy of the United States by constructing graphics (e.g., charts, graphs, tables and grids, etc.) displaying the effect of having slaves and indentured servants.
- SS.4.1West Virginia Social Studies Standards · Social Studies · all grade levels · All agesIdentify, explain, and critique commonly held American democratic values, principles, and beliefs (e.g., diversity, family values, community service, justice, liberty, etc.) through established documents (e.g., Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, etc.).
- SS.4.9West Virginia Social Studies Standards · Social Studies · all grade levels · All agesDocument the effects of and explain how people adapted to geographic factors (e.g., climate, mountains, bodies of water, etc.) on the following: • transportation routes; • settlement patterns and population density; • culture (e.g., jobs, food, clothing, shelter, religion, government, etc.); and • interactions with others (locally and nationally)
Curriculum Framework
3rd Grade · Social Studies · US-WV-SS
1
4 lessons
Essential Map Reading and Navigation Skills
Develop foundational map skills including cardinal directions, latitude and longitude grids, scale calculation, and interpreting physical map features.
2
8 lessons
Physical Geography and Landforms of the United States
Explore the major mountain ranges, water systems, landforms, and climate zones across the United States while learning to analyze and create thematic maps.
3
11 lessons
Human-Environment Interaction and American Regions
Explain how humans adapt to, modify, and depend on their physical environments across the regions of the United States.
4
11 lessons
Economics, Markets, and the American Workforce
Understand fundamental economic concepts including goods, services, supply, demand, competition, and how labor systems shaped the American economy.
5
7 lessons
Principles and Structure of American Government
Analyze foundational democratic values, explain the rule of law, and examine how the three branches of government balance power.
6
6 lessons
Citizenship, Rights, and Community Action
Identify constitutional rights, distinguish civic duties and responsibilities, explore local governance, and apply active citizenship through community projects.
7
4 lessons
Early European Exploration and First Settlements
Explore Indigenous nations prior to European arrival, compare Spanish, French, and English colonial motivations, and examine the earliest permanent settlements.
8
9 lessons
Life, Economy, and Governance in the Thirteen Colonies
Examine the geographic regions, economic systems, diverse cultures, and early democratic institutions of the Thirteen American Colonies.
9
7 lessons
Causes of the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence
Examine the political, economic, and ideological factors that led the American colonies to protest British rule, unite, and declare independence.
10
7 lessons
Fighting the Revolutionary War and Winning Independence
Explore key battles, leadership, diverse wartime contributions, international alliances, and the peace treaty that secured American independence.
11
6 lessons
Creating the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights
Examine how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the Constitutional Convention, major compromises, and the creation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
12
7 lessons
Leaders and Challenges of the Early Republic
Explore early presidential administrations, the rise of political parties, the War of 1812, and the evolving democratic and regional challenges facing the young nation.
13
9 lessons
Westward Expansion and Pioneer Journeys
Understand the major territorial acquisitions, cultural motivations, and pioneer migrations that shaped the westward growth of the United States.
14
5 lessons
Innovation, Infrastructure, and the Impact of Expansion
Explore how transportation technologies, infrastructure developments, and political conflicts over slavery transformed a growing nation.
15
6 lessons
West Virginia Geography and Natural Resources
Explore West Virginia's physical regions, major waterways, transportation challenges, and foundational natural resource industries.
16
6 lessons
Modern West Virginia and Historical Inquiry
Examine West Virginia's demographic changes and modern economy, and develop historical inquiry and research project skills.